“Provided my conference is all there, it’ll pass,” said Breslin, D-Bethlehem. He said the bill is long overdue — he has sponsored it since 1997 when he was first elected — and feels urban residents’ needs outweigh those of suburban residents, who are accommodated by parking garages.

The bill would authorize the creation of a system within 3/4 mile of the Empire State Plaza, and would sunset within two years.

The bill was laid aside earlier today, but is expected to be acted upon before 4 p.m. Republicans are set to vote against the bill, several said, including Sen. Hugh Farley, who represents Schenectady county.

“All of my constituents call on that thing,” Farley, R-Niskayuna, said. “A lot of them come in from Schenectady and all over. I have a ton of people that are very concerned about it. That’s how they park.”

The Assembly passed the bill last year and is expected to do so sometime soon.

“It’s only a question of days and timing, but you know, the stars are aligned properly on this one and this will get done in the next day or two,” Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari, D-Cohoes, said.

UPDATE: The bill passed 32-29, with all the GOP senators present voting against. That includes Farley and Sen. Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga.